Rutger Bruining
Founder and CEO
Rutger graduated with a degree in Business Economics from the University of Amsterdam and in 2004 started working as a strategy consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. Three years later he moved to New York for an MBA at Columbia University, after which he became Investment Director at Arle Capital (formerly Candover) in London. In 2013 he quit his job in private equity to focus on his love for history and stories: he founded Story Terrace. Rutger likes sports and travelling; on the top of his wish list are Australia and Uganda.
Dovile Hann
CFO
Dovile is an experienced finance and business leader specialising in start ups and scale ups across different industries including technology and eCommerce. Prior to joining StoryTerrace Dovile spent 4 years with Hive Learning, an online collaborative learning platform, as their CFO and Head of People. Dovile is a qualified accountant and has a degree in Business Management and Economics. In her free time, she enjoys doing sports, playing piano and spending time with her young family.
Giles Schippers
CMO
Marketing Expert & Creative Director with 10 years agency and client-side background plus 5 years startup and UX/product experience. I have an eye for design and connect strategic dots – build great teams, develop and launch products and brands. The first half of my career was creative and included writing for a national newspaper, radio producer, photographer and agency art director at BBDO. As I was curious about the bigger picture and strategy I did an MBA and moved into marketing roles for e.g. Getty Images and at Rem Koolhaas’ OMA. Being entrepreneurial I started developing digital products for clients and co-founded ecommerce startup SonicEditions.com.
Mark Nicora
VP of Sales
Mark is a graduate of the Ohio State University with degrees in both business and communications. With a focus on scaling and growing investment and consumer product companies he brings more than 23 years of international business development and sales experience to Story Terrace. In addition to his business career Mark spent six year on activity duty in the US Marine Corps. Outside of work, Mark is mostly likely to be found at the beach in the surf or playing volleyball with friends and family.
Natalie Rose
North America Managing Editor
Natalie grew up in the desert but moved to New York City as soon as she was able. She spent most of her twenties producing films and commercials and using her savings to travel the world. She ended up in Guatemala, where she began writing about the foods, people, and cultures she encountered on her travels. She returned to the States in 2014 to pursue writing. Natalie studied storytelling at the Salt Institute in Portland, Maine, and holds an MFA in creative writing from Northern Arizona University. She lives with her husband and daughter, and is an aspiring Spanish-speaker and salsa maker.
Emily McCracken
Writer Recruitment and Development Lead
After receiving MAs in English Literature and Publishing from UCL, Emily worked as Managing Editor for the UK, recruiting brilliant writers and making beautiful books for our British clientele, before heading west to start up StoryTerrace’s US office in Los Angeles.
Alex Kershaw
VP of Product
Alex studied Economics and Politics at Cambridge before moving into management consulting. His early specialism was in mobile financial services before refocusing towards online platform based businesses. He is now a product executive with over 10 years experience building digital services across transport, retail energy, financial services and publishing. He has worked across startups, scale ups and large corporates on most continents, building teams from scratch or managing whole business units. At Storyterrace he focuses on automating our internal processes, building out our Bookmaker platform, and working out how to make our Storyteller and Writer experience as heartwarmingly intuitive as possible.
Coen Borgman
Director of Production
Coen Borgman studied Dutch Language & Culture in Amsterdam, did an internship in Pune, India and has worked TenPages.com, Boekblad, and WPG Uitgevers. He also founded a publishing house in 2013, which he transferred to Gibbon and was a publisher at Fosfor. At Story Terrace he manages the Project Editors.
Heather Kroll Peters
North America Operations Liaison
Heather comes to our team with experience in marketing, social media, merchandising and team management. As the Operations Manager, she is dedicated to assisting the clients and the editors in ensuring invoices get delivered in a timely manner so that our projects stay on track. Heather and her family reside in Florida and enjoy soaking up sun and being close to the water. Other interests include cooking, reading and cuddling with her Goldendoodle.
Alexander Soderman
Finance Manager
Alexander is the key link between Finance and senior management. He provides the board strategy ideas, forecasting and insight into StoryTerrace performance. He has demonstrated a track record in running and scaling operations, implementing the latest technology and brings 5+ years of financial management experience across a variety of industries.
Lisa Deas
Bookkeeper
A childhood love for animals led Lisa to study agriculture at college. She also excelled at math, and after completing her agriculture course, decided she wanted to try something new.
Demetrio Peña
Bookkeeper
Demetrio has a degree in Business Management. He worked for a consultancy firm for five years before joining StoryTerrace, and has experience across different markets and industries, helping more than 20 companies to grow to date.
Priya Chopra
UK Operations Liaison
As Operation Liaison for the UK office, Priya is involved in e-book creation and project management. She also supports the UK team with their day-to-day operations.
Moseley Labor
UK Sales & Global Operations Manager
With 8 years of sales experience across media, retail and healthcare industries Moseley has a passion for providing a high level of service and building lasting relationships with clients. Moseley also has a passion for sports – he’s currently undertaking a Master’s in sports law. Other interests include travelling, technology and cooking.
Theo Brainin
Marketing Director
Theo’s primary responsibilities at Story Terrace include beard topiary and coffee bean adjudication. On the side, he lends a strategic and articulate perspective to Story Terrace’s product development, product marketing and design, contributing a journalistic nous gained working with broadcasters including BBC Newsnight, as well as print publications. Theo holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and a Masters degree in Political Theory, both from Oxford University; as well as a Graduate Diploma in Law.
Suna Yokes
Communications Associate
Suna studied Human Geography at the University of Birmingham and worked as a community journalist for London Live before building a career as a researcher in TV production, working on programmes for the likes of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. She moved over to publishing a year ago, taking up her role in the Communications department at StoryTerrace, where she interviews people from all walks of life, helping to share their stories across social media and with the press, alongside other exciting media projects. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, salsa dancing and watching live comedy.
Zbigniew Siwek
Growth Marketing Executive
After studying Film and Television Production at the University of York, Zbigniew moved to London to pursue a career in film production and photography. Along with producing a range of films, he also ran crowdfunding, social media and marketing campaigns, to help finance and distribute the projects. He then began to organise and promote a variety of events, from workshops to festivals, where he discovered his true passion for marketing. He’s excited to now join StoryTerrace as a Growth Marketing Executive.
Sam Brockschmidt
North America Senior Project Editor
Sam is an MG novelist and screenwriter — and proud Senior Editor for StoryTerrace! Inevitably, coming from “La La Land” has cultivated her love for storytelling. She’s been mentored by Disney, Hallmark, and Sony Pictures, later obtaining her BA in Communications/Marketing from CSUN, and has produced events and content for the nonprofit sector (mental health and childhood cancer research). She also is the co-author of a mental health blog and podcast. Her recipe to unwind? Reading a twisted tale at a hockey rink, practicing yoga and aikido, and collecting tea.
Elizabeth DiPietro
North America Senior Project Editor
Born and raised in South Jersey, Elizabeth relocated to Los Angeles to follow a love of storytelling. She earned her B.A. in Public Relations and her M.A. in Writing from Rowan University. She has previously worked as a Project Editor, a Staff Writer, and an Associate Editor at different publishers and publications. When not working, Elizabeth trains Muay Thai, works on her own writing, watches movies, and spends quality time with her fourteen-year-old dog Toby.
Levi Jelks
North America Project Editor
A theatre lover from Atlanta, Levi has always had a passion for creating stories for the screen and stage. After receiving his BA in English, he discovered his love for writing plays, which eventually led him to various internships with prominent Atlanta theatres, including The Alliance Theatre as their Literary Intern. After being accepted into Carnegie Mellon University’s Dramatic Writing MFA program, he was given the storytelling tools he needed to eventually move and settle in Los Angeles, right in the heart of Hollywood. An avid comic book nerd and film enthusiast, he spends his days listening to Twilight Zone podcasts, reading James Baldwin essays and continuing to write and edit scripts.
Susan Pi
North America Project Editor
Susan has a BA in English, a Master of Publishing, and marketing and publicity experience in both large and small book publishing houses. She was a board member of the Northern California Book Publicity and Marketing Association, and her hits as a publicist include Vanity Fair and People Magazine. She was the lead writer at Psychometric Studios Interactive, and her writing has been published in Take on the Road and BayWoof Magazine. She also writes romantic dramas under a pseudonym. When she’s not traveling, she enjoys playing story-driven video games.
Marleigh Green
North America Project Editor
Marleigh is a Los Angeles-born fantasy and science fiction novelist and an enthusiast for all things geeky. After graduating from CSU Channel Islands with a B.A. in Communication Studies, she decided to pursue the creative path of writing and editing, which she considers her passion. She is in the process of working on her first series of novels, which she hopes to publish sometime in the near future. In her free time, she enjoys cooking gourmet meals for friends and family, traveling, reading, and spending time with her beloved bearded dragon, Rhaegar.
Christopher Armstrong
North America Project Editor
Born, raised, and educated in the South, Christopher Andrew Armstrong bought a one-way plane ticket to Los Angeles only a few weeks after graduating with a B.A. in English: Creative Writing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His freelance writing career includes credits writing about music, fashion, art, celebrity profiles and ghostwriting – which is how he came into contact with Story Terrace. After two years spent freelancing with the company, he joined the team full-time in January 2020 as a Project Editor. When not working, Christopher enjoys playing with his Siamese cat Buddha and working on his personal writing pursuits.
Jeff Benthall
North America Account Executive
What creates a good book is human experiences – and Jeff knows all about that. He has a degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University, and uses his background to connect with people in a way that brings their authentic ideas to life. An innate, purpose-driven appreciation to help others led Jeff to a career with Foundations Recovery network, where he supported and advised those with substance abuse and mental health issues as they sought treatment. Jeff brings those same skills to StoryTerrace as he helps empower others to create their life story. He is passionate about developing the next generation’s ability to successfully overcome life’s obstacles through transparent stories.
Dwayne Coates
North America Account Executive
Dwayne has over 15 years of sales and customer service experience. He grew up in the Bronx, we he found a love for the arts. Whether it be writing in his journal or sketching his favorite characters down on paper, he really finds joy in the freedom of expression. He attended Lehman College, where he studied accounting and business management. He also enjoys playing basketball as well as boxing, but credits listening to music while writing or sketching in one of his many notebooks is his true passion.
Jaime Carpenter
North America Account Executive
Jaime grew up in New Jersey and moved to State College Pennsylvania for 22 years. She attended the Fashion Institute for Design and has also taken courses in Business. She has 25 years of sales experience and was previously a business owner of Jaime’s Thrifty Boutique, where she had a eclectic store. Her creative background and passion for working with people inspired her to work at Storyterrace. Her hobbies are: gourmet cooking, art, traveling and spending time with family and her beautiful granddaughter Nava.
Benjamin Willheim
North America Account Executive
Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ben has over 20 years of sales experience spread over multiple industries.
Michael Howard
North America Account Executive
Michael Howard is part of the Sales team based in Los Angeles, California. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Michael is a songwriter/composer in his free time and loves to play and listen to music. He’s also into health food and yoga (these are mandatory in California!)
Paul Hindle
UK Managing Editor
Paul has over 6 years’ publishing experience working for some of the UK’s best-known academic and IT publishing houses. In this time, he has personally overseen the production and publication of over 500 books, working with a number of award-winning and bestselling authors. When not immersed in the fast-paced world of publishing, he can be found performing on the stages of Birmingham’s pubs and clubs with his classic rock covers band.
Laura Kemp
NL Managing Editor & UK Project Editor
Laura Kemp graduated with a degree in Anthropology and MA in Journalism at the University of Amsterdam in 2013. Ever since then, she has worked with various international media outlets such as CNN, VICE and ARTE. Her interviews and essays have been published in established newspapers and magazines. Laura recently launched a podcast series called Changing the System, in which she gives a platform to pioneers of change. Laura has lived and worked in New York and is currently based in London, though she will always remain a true Amsterdammer at heart. At StoryTerrace, she loves to make sure that the biography writing process is meaningful and rewarding.
Beth Williams
UK Senior Project Editor
Beth graduated with a degree in English and American Literature from the University of Sussex, and studied abroad at the University of Washington, Seattle. After graduating she moved to Berlin where she worked as an Editorial Intern at various arts and culture magazines in the city. A year later she returned to London to work at Bloomsbury as a Production Assistant before being promoted to Production Editor, where she managed a busy list of academic titles. She joined Story Terrace in 2018 and loves to help customers turn their life stories into beautiful books.
Samantha Patrick
UK Project Editor
After graduating from the University of Oxford, Sammy kicked off her editorial career with an internship at StoryTerrace before joining Hachette UK. Several years and a Master’s degree later, she’s thrilled to be back where it all began. She likes good theatre, terrible coffee and stories of all kinds.
Jack Phillips
UK Project Editor
After graduating in 2016 with a master’s degree in English Literature, Culture and Theory from the University of Sussex, Jack moved into publishing, first working for The Quarto Group before going on to work for The Reading Agency in various roles. Spending the majority of 2019 travelling and working in New Zealand, he returned to the UK via Australia, Vietnam, South Korea and Japan before taking up his role at StoryTerrace in 2020, where he works closely with customers and writers to help bring people’s stories to print.
Martin Whittemore
UK Project Editor
With experience in local journalism and an academic background in history, Martin loves producing people’s life stories. Before joining Story Terrace, his editorial career took him to work in India, and he now tries to travel abroad and around the UK as much as he can in his spare time. A guitarist, he also enjoys playing gigs and festivals with his band.
Flora Neighbour
UK Project Editor
After studying English Literature at university, Flora worked as an editor and journalist across many British magazines, including Health & Wellbeing, Gigwise, Fault, The Franchise Magazine, Where London and INLondon.
Nicola Wilson
UK Account Executive
Nicola was born and raised on the island of Barbados and moved to the UK in 2018 to pursue a career in the publishing industry. She has a long history of experience in sales and customer service oriented roles in various industries. She enjoys a fit and healthy lifestyle in her spare time, is an avid animal lover and a supporter of human/animal rights activism.
Chantelle Derrick
UK Account Executive
Chantelle comes from a customer service, sales and PR background. She has worked as a brand ambassador for some well-known companies including Guinness, MTV and Olay and has experience with advertising and promotional modelling. Her sales experience includes the fitness and bridal industries where she developed a strong focus on the personal needs of customers and a passion for helping people with special purchases. Her interests outside work include hiking, camping, movies and yoga and she really enjoys the adventure of travelling!
Robert Shearer
UK Account Executive
Robert was born in Singapore but raised in Australia for seven years but all his family are Scottish, so he considers himself a bit of a mixed breed! He is married to April and they have a 3 year old son called Coen. Being his dad is his proudest achievement. His name “Coen” is the Aboriginal Australian version and means “Brave” and “Thunder”.
Erik Rydfors
NL Sales Manager
With years of sales experience, from selling marketing products in highly-competitive environments, to selling some of the most expensive artworks in the world, Erik is a true professional who knows how to surprise the client every time and give the WOW factor. Erik has international roots in multiple countries around the world and that gives him the ability to professionally interact and understand the needs of customers worldwide. He loves travelling and is full of great stories about his trips. Currently he leads the NL Sales team from Amsterdam.
Josh Selby
UK Account Executive
Before moving into sales, Josh was a professional chef for four years, and even worked at a Michelin star restaurant!
